Hua Hin and Cha-am

Relax on the beach beside the warm, turquoise waters of the Gulf of Thailand, or enjoy some of the world's most fantastic scuba adventures among the islands of the Andaman Sea. Thailand is one of the best, most reasonably priced places for a seaside vacation. There are hundreds of beaches to choose from. From the tropical paradise of a bungalow on Ko Samet off the coast of Rayong province, only a few hours from Bangkok by comfortable air conditioned bus, to the luxurious resort developments on Phuket Island, just a short flight from Bangkok, you can have the best vacation of your life. More remote venues, such as the lovely and unspoiled Ko Ngai in the Andaman off the coast of Trang, make it possible to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life without spending a fortune.

Most visitors choose to come after the rainy season ends in late October and before the hot season starts in April. But even during the peak of the monsoon season in September it usually only rains for an hour or so in the afternoon, and the rest of the time you can indulge in the water sport of your choice, or just lay in a hammock and chill out.

Islands in the Gulf, like Ko Chang, are great for a family excursion. Backpackers will love the wild parties on Phangan Island off the coast of Surat Thani. For scuba enthusiasts, exotic Ko Tao is not to be missed. Single travelers may prefer the uninhibited nightlife of Pattaya Beach. Whatever your holiday preference, Thailand's beaches and islands can provide the precise combination of excitement, exotic locales, recreation, entertainment and leisure that you desire.

About 3 hours from Bangkok on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand, the three popular beaches of Phetchaburi are relaxing seaside resorts, ideal for family vacations. Hat Cha-am, Hat Chao Samran and Hat Puek Tien were once the playgrounds of aristocracy. Nowadays, the lovely beaches welcome people from all walks of life.

Hat Cha-am

About 160 km southwest of Bangkok, the white strand of Hat Cha-am is a popular spot for Thai holidaymakers. Cha-am was originally developed by HRH Prince Narathip, who was looking for a new alternative to the beach at Hua Hin. The Prince led the project to bring road and rail access to the beach, and built a new community called Sahakham Cha-am. The village was later upgraded to a district in its own right. The first headman of the village erected a monument in Prince Narathip's honor and named the road from the railway station Narathip Road.

Hat Cha-am is distinct from Hua Hin's with its easy road access and no private ownership of beachfront land. Its atmosphere is said to be similar to that of Bang Saen in Chonburi in former times. Water sports facilities such as jet skis and banana boats are available, and lots of deck chairs, vendors and shops line the beach. If you're looking for a slightly more tranquil spot, try the beach area close to Neranchara Temple.

The strip between Nongjang Road and the Siam Cement lodgings is a small dock of ring-net boats. A temporary seafood market sets up here from 5 am to 10 am. The fresh sea crabs are particularly sought after. Prices here may actually be higher than the permanent market, but the freshness is guaranteed.

The main fishing port of Saphan Pla is at the northern end of Hat Cha-am, near Neranchara Temple. The local fishing boats in the harbor make a picturesque scene. The fresh market and restaurants here are open daily, all day. Dishes can be cooked on demand and cost from 10-30 baht each depending on the order and availability. The best time to buy fresh seafood is before 7.00 am.

To get to Cha-am by car, take the Phetkasem Road (Route No 4), past Phra Nakhon Khiri and Tha Yang District, and then turn left at Hoob Krapong Flyover. At the crossing, turn left and travel a further 2 km to the beach. The total distance from Phetchaburi town to the beach is about 41 km and takes less than an hour to get there.


On holidays, the State Railway of Thailand offers one-day tours to Cha-am. The train departs Bangkok at 6.30 am to visit Phetchaburi's Kao Wang Historical Park, Cha-am Beach and Marukataiyawan Palace. The fee, including a meal, is 480 baht for adults, 440 baht for children. For more details, contact the promotion counter at Hua Lampong Railway station from 4.00 am to 11.00 pm or Tel +66 2 220-4334 ext 5217 and +66 2 225-6964.